Pacific Northwest

The Problem

Seattle and Portland lie within the Puget-Willamette Lowland of western Washington and Oregon. This seismically active region overlies the Cascadia subduction zone, a source of damaging earthquakes and volcanic activity. The Lowland is also subject to landslides, depletion of groundwater, and pressure on coastal resources and nearshore habitats.

Our Objective

Produce geologic maps and research needed for the assessment of seismic shaking hazards, landslide potential, liquefaction, groundwater resources, and hydrocarbon potential in the urban corridor.